The anniversary of Greece’s defiance of fascist Italy in 1940 will be marked next week with ceremonies and parades across the country, as schools prepare to suspend regular lessons for the October 28 national holiday.
This year’s commemoration, which falls on a Wednesday, will give students in some parts of Greece six consecutive days without regular classes, although attendance at scheduled school events remains mandatory.
Known as Ohi Day, or “No Day,” the anniversary commemorates Greece’s rejection of an Italian ultimatum on October 28, 1940, which was followed by Italy’s invasion of the country during World War II.
The anniversary is one of Greece’s most significant national commemorations, marked each year by ceremonies honoring the country’s wartime resistance, as well as student and military parades.
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School Celebrations and Attendance Rules
Across most of Greece, schools will hold commemorative events on Tuesday, October 27, a day before the national holiday.
Kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools will suspend regular lessons, with students attending ceremonies featuring historical presentations, songs and tributes to those who fought during World War II.
Although no regular classes will take place, October 27 is not considered a school holiday. Attendance at the ceremonies is compulsory, and students who fail to attend will receive unexcused absences for the scheduled school hours.
Schools will dismiss students after the events according to their individual schedules. Extended-day programs at kindergartens and elementary schools will not operate after the ceremonies.
Middle schools and high schools will also present awards and certificates recognizing students’ academic achievements during the previous school year.
All schools will remain closed on Wednesday, October 28, when student parades will take place across much of the country.
Six Days Without Regular Classes in Some Areas
Students in Thessaloniki and other areas where St. Demetrius is celebrated as a local patron saint, including Psychiko in Athens, will have an extended break as the religious holiday coincides with the national anniversary.
In the municipality of Thessaloniki, the six-day period without regular lessons begins Friday, October 23, when schools will hold their commemorative events.
The weekend will be followed by the feast of St. Demetrius on Monday, October 26, a local holiday during which schools will remain closed.
Thessaloniki will hold its traditional student parade on Tuesday, October 27, ahead of the major military parade on Wednesday, October 28.
The combination of the local religious holiday, school celebrations and national commemorations means students will have no regular lessons from October 23 through October 28, although participation in scheduled school events remains compulsory.
Regular classes will resume on Thursday, October 29.